Hugo Duro’s late penalty lifts Valencia after dramatic Alavés test | OneFootball

Valencia claimed a vital win at Mestalla over Deportivo Alavés, Hugo Duro converting a stoppage-time penalty after an agonising finish. The result takes Carlos Corberán’s side to 32 points, leaving safety within reach.

According to Superdeporte, Corberán earned a six as his changes shifted the momentum, with 16 players graded across a mixed display. Dimitrievski was steady without being overworked, Thierry offered more going forward than back, Gayà’s delivery lacked precision and Ugrinic could not impose himself.

Alavés led inside the first minute when Guido Rodríguez fouled Toni Martínez in the area for 0-1. Ramazani was Valencia’s sharpest outlet before the break, denied by Sivera, then Umar Sadiq showed composure to set up Javi Guerra to level.

Cömert endured a rough night, particularly as Lucas Boyé beat him too easily for Alavés’s second, yet he became an unlikely hero. Unai Núñez headed against the post and Cömert pounced on the rebound to restore parity and spark the comeback.

From the bench, Danjuma’s direct play produced the cross that led to the decisive spot-kick. Duro won the penalty smartly and tucked it away, a welcome boost after a lean spell. Elsewhere, Luis Rioja worked without end product and reacted angrily when withdrawn, while Diego López, Dani Raba and Almeida added late energy, the latter supplying useful deliveries.

Source: Superdeporte